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Ecuador & Galapagos Country Guide: Essential Information for UK Travellers

Straddling the equator on South America’s west coast, Ecuador packs remarkable diversity into a country the size of the UK. From the wildlife paradise of the Galapagos Islands to the Amazon rainforest, the snow-capped Andean peaks to colonial cities, Ecuador offers an extraordinary range of experiences. This compact yet diverse nation provides British travellers with adventure, culture, and natural wonders in a relatively accessible package.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before travelling to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, with practical information specifically tailored for visitors from the UK.

Passports & Visas

For British Citizens:

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Ecuador
  • British citizens can enter Ecuador as tourists without a visa for stays up to 90 days
  • You’ll receive an entry stamp (T-3) in your passport upon arrival
  • If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a visa before travel

Important Documents to Pack:

  • Your passport plus photocopy (stored separately)
  • Travel insurance documents. You can find Fleewinter’s travel insurance advice here.
  • Keep our emergency numbers handy. Your Vamoos app will have all your itinerary information too.
  • International driving permit if you plan to drive.

Galapagos National Park Requirements

  • All visitors must pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of $100 USD for adults (reduced for children)
  • This fee is usually included in your Fleewinter package holiday or alternatively, it must be paid in cash (USD) upon arrival in the Galapagos

Entry Tourist Card:

  • When flying to the Galapagos, you must purchase a Transit Control Card (TCT) for $20 USD at Quito or Guayaquil airports
  • We will include this in your package holiday so you do not have to worry about it
  • This card is separate from your passport stamp and helps control migration to the islands

Currency

  • Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency
  • ATMs are widely available in cities and towns but scarce in rural areas
  • Bring some USD cash with you as a backup
  • Small denominations ($1, $5, $10) are useful as many businesses struggle with change

Banking & Cards

  • Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops
  • Inform your bank about travel plans to prevent cards being blocked
  • Most ATMs accept international cards (Visa/Mastercard primarily)
  • Daily withdrawal limits typically range from $200-$500
  • Some ATMs charge a fee of $1-3 per transaction

 

Tipping

  • Restaurants: 5-10% if service charge isn’t included
  • Guides: £10-15 per day for group guides, £15-20 for private guides
  • Galapagos cruises: £15-20 per day for guides, £10-15 per day for crew
  • Taxi drivers: Rounding up the fare is sufficient

Health & Safety

Vaccinations:

  • No mandatory vaccinations for UK travellers, but the NHS typically recommends:
    • Routine vaccinations up to date
    • Hepatitis A and Typhoid
    • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if coming from certain countries
    • Consider Rabies, Hepatitis B for longer stays
  • Consult your GP or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before travel

May 2025 Update on Yellow Fever:

  • Mandatory Vaccination Certificate: Travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, or Peru must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. This certificate must confirm that the vaccine was administered at least 10 days prior to entry into Ecuador.

  • Extended Stay Consideration: Travellers of any nationality who have spent more than 10 days in any of these four countries before arriving in Ecuador are also required to present this vaccination certificate. Erickson Immigration Group+1Fragomen+1

  • Exemptions: Individuals aged 60 years or older are exempt from this requirement.

 

Altitude Considerations:

  • Quito sits at 2,850 metres and many Andean destinations are higher
  • Allow 24-48 hours to acclimatise before strenuous activity
  • Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol
  • Consider a prescription for altitude sickness medication
  • Descend to lower elevation if symptoms become severe

 

Insect Protection:

  • Use insect repellent with DEET (30-50%) in the Amazon and coastal areas
  • Wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk
  • Consider permethrin-treated clothing for jungle visits
  • Sleep under mosquito nets when provided

 

Food & Water Safety:

  • Drink only bottled or purified water
  • Avoid ice in rural areas
  • Eat thoroughly cooked hot foods
  • Exercise caution with street food and unpeeled fruits
  • Carry hand sanitiser for when soap isn’t available

 

Sun Protection:

  • The equatorial sun is intense, especially at altitude and in the Galapagos
  • Use high SPF sunscreen (30+), reapplying frequently
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • In the Galapagos, use reef-safe sunscreen only

Safety Considerations

General Safety:

  • Ecuador is generally welcoming but take standard precautions
  • Petty theft and pickpocketing occur in tourist areas
  • Use hotel safes for valuables and carry minimal cash
  • Keep a close eye on belongings in crowded markets and on public transport

Emergency Contacts:

  • National Police: 101
  • Medical Emergency: 911
  • Tourist Police: 1800-TURISMO
  • British Embassy in Quito: +593 2 394 0060

Travel Insurance:

  • Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
  • Ensure coverage includes:
    • High altitude trekking if planned
    • Helicopter evacuation (especially for remote areas)
    • Coverage for the Galapagos Islands specifically

Practical Information

Language

  • Spanish is the official language
  • English is often spoken in tourist establishments and by guides
  • Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated:
    • Hello: Hola
    • Please: Por favor
    • Thank you: Gracias
    • How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
    • Where is…?: ¿Dónde está…?

Electrical Information

  • Voltage: 120V (compared to 230V in the UK)
  • Frequency: 60Hz
  • Plugs: Type A/B (flat two-pin and three-pin)
  • UK travellers need an adapter AND some appliances may need a converter
  • USB charging ports are common in newer hotels

Internet & Communications

  • Mobile coverage is good in cities but limited in remote areas
  • Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes
  • Consider buying a local SIM card (Movistar or Claro) for data
  • WhatsApp is commonly used for communications
  • The Galapagos has limited connectivity, especially on cruises

Time Difference

  • Ecuador mainland: GMT-5 (5 hours behind the UK)
  • Galapagos Islands: GMT-6 (6 hours behind the UK)
  • Ecuador does not observe daylight saving time

Responsible Travel

  • Support local businesses and communities
  • Follow all national park guidelines
  • Use biodegradable toiletries, especially in the Galapagos
  • Never touch or feed wildlife
  • Minimise plastic use (bring a reusable water bottle)
  • Ask permission before photographing local people
  • Consider carbon offsetting your flights

Culture & Customs

Etiquette & Customs

  • Ecuadorians are generally formal and polite
  • Greetings typically involve a handshake or cheek kiss
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural communities
  • Remove sunglasses when speaking to someone as a sign of respect
  • Public displays of affection are generally accepted in cities
  • Punctuality is flexible—social functions often start 30+ minutes late

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Indigenous communities have their own customs and traditions
  • Ask permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous areas
  • Religious imagery and ceremonies are taken seriously
  • Political discussions may be sensitive; listen more than you speak
  • Respect for elders is important in Ecuadorian culture

Dress Code

  • Business: Formal attire is expected in professional settings
  • Cities: Smart casual is appropriate for restaurants and cultural events
  • Churches: Covered shoulders and knees
  • Galapagos/Jungle: Practical, lightweight clothing with sun protection
  • Highlands: Layers for variable temperatures
  • Swimwear: Appropriate only at beaches and pools

Food & Drink

Highland Specialties:

  • Locro de papa: Creamy potato soup with cheese and avocado
  • Llapingachos: Cheese-filled potato cakes
  • Cuy: Roasted guinea pig (a traditional delicacy)
  • Hornado: Slow-roasted pork

Coastal Dishes:

  • Ceviche: Raw fish/seafood “cooked” in lime juice
  • Encocado: Fish or seafood in coconut sauce
  • Bolón de verde: Fried plantain balls stuffed with cheese or pork

Amazon Flavours:

  • Maito: Fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled
  • Chontacuro: Palm grubs (a traditional protein source)
  • Chicha: Fermented yuca drink

Galapagos Fare:

  • Fresh seafood features prominently
  • Lobster (in season from September-December)
  • Slipper lobster (brujo)

Local Beverages

  • Alcoholic:
    • Pilsener and Club: Popular local beers
    • Canelazo: Hot spiced cinnamon drink with aguardiente (sugar cane alcohol)
    • Pisco Sour: Although Peruvian in origin, widely available
    • Ecuadorian wine industry is small but growing
  • Non-alcoholic:
    • Fresh fruit juices are abundant and delicious
    • Morocho: Sweet spiced corn drink
    • Horchata lojana: Herbal tea from southern Ecuador
    • Coffee: Ecuador produces excellent coffee, often exported

Shopping & Souvenirs

Traditional Crafts

  • Textiles: Colourful handwoven textiles from Otavalo
  • Panama hats: Actually Ecuadorian, finest come from Montecristi
  • Tagua: Vegetable ivory crafts and jewellery
  • Balsa wood carvings from the Amazon region
  • Ceramics from Cuenca and surrounding villages

Shopping Tips

  • Haggling is expected in markets but not in shops with fixed prices
  • Quality varies enormously; examine crafts carefully
  • Support fair trade cooperatives when possible
  • VAT (IVA) is 12% and included in marked prices
  • Keep receipts for higher-value items

What Not to Buy

  • Products made from endangered species
  • Archaeological artifacts (illegal to export)
  • Coral or seashells from the Galapagos
  • Unidentified wooden products (may be from protected species)

Public Holidays & Festivals

National Holidays

  • January 1: New Year’s Day
  • February/March: Carnival (moveable feast, 2 days)
  • March/April: Easter Holy Week (moveable feast)
  • May 1: Labour Day
  • May 24: Battle of Pichincha
  • July 24: Simón Bolívar’s Birthday
  • August 10: Independence Day
  • October 9: Independence of Guayaquil
  • November 2-3: All Souls’ Day and Independence of Cuenca
  • December 25: Christmas Day
  • December 31: New Year’s Eve

Cultural Festivals

  • Inti Raymi (June): Indigenous celebration of the sun god at the solstice
  • Corpus Christi (June): Religious festival particularly vibrant in Cuenca
  • Mama Negra (September/November): Colourful parade in Latacunga
  • Fiestas de Quito (December): Week-long celebration of the capital’s founding

Plan ahead if visiting during major festivals, as accommodation fills quickly and transport can be limited. Many festivals offer authentic cultural experiences but may involve crowds and closures of regular attractions.

 

Regional Highlights & Must-See Attractions

Must-See Mainland

  • Quito’s Historic Centre: UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning colonial architecture
  • Otavalo Market: South America’s largest indigenous market
  • Cotopaxi National Park: Home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes
  • Quilotoa Crater Lake: Stunning emerald lake in a volcanic crater
  • Cuenca: Beautiful colonial city with cobblestone streets and domed cathedrals
  • Baños: Adventure capital with waterfalls and thermal springs
  • Tren Crucero: Luxury train journey through the Avenue of the Volcanoes
  • Amazon Rainforest: Incredible biodiversity in pristine jungle settings

Galapagos Highlights

  • North Seymour: Blue-footed booby colonies and frigate bird nesting sites
  • Bartolomé: Iconic Pinnacle Rock view and penguin sightings
  • Española: Albatross colony (April-December) and dramatic blowhole
  • Santa Cruz: Giant tortoise reserves and Charles Darwin Research Station
  • Isabela: Largest island with active volcanoes and penguin colonies
  • Fernandina: Marine iguanas and pristine, youngest island in the archipelago
  • Genovesa: Bird island with amazing diversity of seabirds
  • Champion Islet: One of the best snorkelling sites, with sea lions and reef fish

Useful Resources

Emergency Contacts

  • British Embassy in Quito: +593 2 394 0060
  • UK Emergency Travel Document service: +44 300 222 0000
  • Ecuador Tourist Police: 1800-TURISMO

Helpful Websites

Useful Apps to Download

  • Maps.me: Offline maps that are useful if you want to track your journey, and essentials if you are self-driving.
  • XE Currency: For quick USD conversions
  • Google Translate: Spanish language support with offline capability
  • iNaturalist: Identify plants and animals you encounter

 

Ready for Your Ecuadorian Adventure?

Our team of Ecuador specialists is ready to help you plan your perfect journey through this diverse and fascinating country. From logistics and accommodations to insider tips and special experiences, we’ll ensure your Ecuador and Galapagos holiday is seamless, authentic, and unforgettable.

Get in touch and start planning!

This guide was created by Val, specialist in tailor-made Ecuador and Galapagos adventures.

Quito
Capital of the country and one of the continent's most beautifully preserved colonial cities.
Cotopaxi volcano
One of the world's most photogenic volcanoes! Visit the beautiful and eponymous park.
Otavalo
Charming town, full of indigenous culture and a famous market.
Mindo cloud forest
A birdwatcher paradise!
Coca
The gateway to the an immersive experience into Ecuador's pristine Amazon rainforest.
Banos
Charming town with a lovely square, wonderful nature around and capital of adrenaline sports (if you are so inclined).
Riobamba
A lovely town on the Avenue of volcanoes. Enjoy a 'hornado' (pig roast) al mercado La Merced.
The town is also the getaway for tours to Chimborazo volcano.
Cuenca
Beautiful Cuenca deserves a special mentions as it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the continent. The lovely square is gorgeous and the whole city is welcoming and friendly. Go and visit the outdoor flower market for an injection of colour!
Guayaquil
Often overlooked, Guayaquil is mainly an arrival or departure point. However, the malecon is worth having a walk on, and La Penas is the oldest and most pleasant part of the city.
The Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are famed for their unique wildlife and role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. They are located about 1,000 km (620 miles) off Ecuador’s coast, they feature volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Iconic species include giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galápagos penguins. The islands offer a rare glimpse of nature’s adaptability in an isolated paradise and should be on everyone's bucket list.

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